Free Web NovelChapter 1115: Chapter 312: Branding the Ducas Clan
When Mark stood in the middle of the bedroom.
By the dim light of the oil lamp on the wall of the bedroom.
Mark clearly saw a figure leaning against the big bed.
It was the previous Marquis Duca, Mark’s biological father, Donovan Ducas!
In Mark’s memory, the originally tall and burly Donovan was now all thin and bony.
On his arms, the twisted, coiled veins could be clearly seen beneath the yellow-black skin.
On the wrinkled neck, Donovan’s sharp, high Adam’s apple bulged and rolled abruptly as he swallowed.
The once lustrous black hair that captivated countless young women had now become sparse.
Strangely.
The obviously terminally ill Donovan had a reddish flush on his hollow-cheeked face...
At a glance, Mark knew that Donovan did not have much time left.
Donovan sat leaning on the big bed, his eyes intently staring at Mark, speaking once more in a strong voice.
"What? Do you not recognize your own father?"
"Or is it because of a guilty conscience that you dare not face me?"
Mark snorted coldly, striding over to Donovan’s sickbed.
His body stood firmly, looking down at Donovan from above.
"Guilty?"
"The title of Marquis Duca rightfully belongs to me, the eldest son of the Ducas Clan!"
At this point.
A voice almost like a beast’s roar sounded from Mark’s mouth.
"Why would I feel guilty?"
"Why should I fear you?"
Donovan said nothing.
His eyes, filled with disdain, still fixated on Mark.
Mark was not frightened at all, his gaze clashing coldly with Donovan’s.
A few seconds later.
A bizarre smile appeared on Donovan’s sickly face.
"Very good! Very good!"
"As the Marquis Duca, as the head of the Ducas Clan, one must have such courage and resolve!"
"Even if a mistake is made, it must be made resolutely!"
"Even if in the end, the Ducas Clan’s blood stains the battlefield and there’s no return..."
"It should burn like the rising sun, searing the mark of the Ducas Clan across the entire Karedi Empire!"
Perhaps because his speech just now was too agitated.
Or because Donovan’s words stimulated him.
Mark’s breathing was rapid, his chest rising and falling quickly.
Donovan still stared directly at Mark, continuing to speak.
"At such a moment, I thought I would have much to say to you and Lawrence."
"To recount the deeds of the Ducas ancestors, to narrate the former glory of the Ducas Clan..."
"Or, to share the dullness of being bedridden for over ten years..."
"Or perhaps, to inform you of the long-thought-out future plans for the Ducas Clan..."
Donovan’s tone shifted.
"But now, I find it unnecessary."
"You are more stubborn than I imagined!"
"Once you’ve set a goal, you’ll stop at nothing to achieve it."
"Whether it’s my illegitimate children who might block your way, or the self-important Lawrence."
"Or even... me!"
Mark’s brow furrowed instantly.
He understood.
Donovan already knew of all his previous actions!
Secretly killing Donovan’s illegitimate children, stripping Lawrence of his power.
And instructing the territory doctor to mix a slow-acting poison into Donovan’s medicinal treatments, accelerating his death!
Yet Donovan did not point it out!
Donovan naturally saw Mark’s change in expression and further comforted him.
"Even so, you need not feel any guilt!"
"As the Marquis Duca and the head of the Ducas Clan, the sole mission is to make the family stronger!"
"Conversely, if you became timid and stagnant because of these relationships, these individuals..."
"The position of Marquis Duca would have already changed hands!"
"I am old and terminally ill..."
"But as long as I wish, I still have the power to depose the Marquis Duca, and I still have the strength to do so!"
Listening to Donovan’s words filled with warning.
Mark’s body trembled suddenly, images flashing instantly through his mind.
In the study, Doyle Gack, the Defense Commander of Bordeaux City, who analyzes and strategizes for him.
Godfrey Harvey, the Knight Commander dispatched to Marquisate of Polk, to attack Spirit Reef Port.
And a host of commanders in the Sword and Shield Corps...
They had all once fought under Donovan’s leadership, bloodied and battled.
It can be said.
They were all cultivated and promoted by Donovan!
Why did these old generals of the Ducas Clan, in the face of his command, not exhibit any indifference or difficulties?
Instead, they were completely obedient, willing to offer strategies and tirelessly analyze the current situation for him.
Willing to personally lead the soldiers in exterritorial battles!
Only at this moment did Mark finally understand.
It was because of Donovan Ducas in the big bed!
Even though Donovan Ducas had been bedridden for over ten years, his past prestige and grace made these commanders dare not harbor any disloyalties.
Even though he had been the Marquis Duca for more than half a year.
He was still greatly cared for by Donovan, which allowed him such smooth control over the entire Ducas Clan, the entire Marquisate!
Yet he had instructed the territory doctor to clandestinely poison Donovan, his own biological father...
Mark’s emotions became complex, his body began to uncontrollably tremble.
As if Donovan instantly sensed Mark’s anomaly.
